Caller was living in Washington County of the Mississippi Territory (later the Alabama Territory) when the Murphees hired him "to take two Negros Namely Remus & Frank which Thomas Bates and others stold away from us." [Original spelling retained.]

The transaction seems to be between Thomas Dugan and Joseph Rivers. In the first letter Dugan writes James W. Goodman of Claiborne, Alabama, asking him to sue Rivers and recover one of the slaves. The statement is signed by all men involved in the...

In the letter Stuckey discusses the slave Warren, whom he had sold to Gibbons the previous year. A physician hired by Gibbons diagnosed the boy with "chronic rheumatism," but Stuckey maintains that he was never ill before the sale. While he will...

In the letter Browne discusses his travels through the South, describes the economic opportunities and prices of goods in Alabama, and asks about eligible young ladies at home. He wonders why women are reluctant to move south: "Alabama is a great...

The excerpts, from 1851 and 1853, include lists of slaves preached to; lists of "promiscuous places preached at" (Shores uses "promiscuous" to mean "irregular"; that is, locations not on his regular circuit); and annual summaries of his work. When...

In the letter Thomas discusses family, business, and farming. At the end is a note added on behalf of "Brother Peter," who sends news of his children and asks for Richard's assistance in financial matters; specifically, he mentions compensation...

In the letter Lee describes twenty-nine slaves he is selling. He gives specific details about any individuals who are not "sound and capable" or "prime and hearty," and he also mentions parent-child relationships. The price for each slave is $725....

In the letter Larey says he is doing well and that all of his efforts "have been crowned with success." He talks about the political climate and adds that "Alabama is firm and decided. Will follow South Carolina in the glorious cause of Southern...

In the letter Marks acknowledges receipt of payment from Hall, whose daughter, Mary Louisa, attends the school. He also mentions that while "Lou is a superior child intellectually...she will require great attention to physical exercise; for her...